JAMES Constable played down his stunning opening goal and was just thankful Oxford United claimed victory on Saturday.

The striker’s ninth goal of the season came via a spectacular overhead kick against Dagenham & Redbridge.

It began a superb spell for the U’s, but the lack of a second goal allowed the visitors back into the game.

The league leaders left if late to claim a dramatic 2-1 win, with Dave Kitson heading the winner in stoppage time.

Constable’s priority was contributing to the victory, rather than enthuse about the quality of his acrobatic strike.

He said: “At that time it was just important we were on top and we were desperate to have a good start.

“We really should’ve gone on and made it a bit more comfortable in the first half.

Oxford Mail:

  • Dave Kitson heads home the injury-time winner

“I enjoy scoring goals and if it comes like that and it’s an overhead, or a tap-in from a yard, they mean the same thing.

“We want to win football matches.”

He added: “In other games we might have only picked up a draw, so it gives us that confidence to carry on into stoppage time to get the three points.”